Scam Alert – Fake Fraud Calls

Some members have reported receiving calls from fraudsters after receiving a fraud alert text message from the credit union.

What Happens: Fraudsters who have stolen a member’s debit card information will try to use the card to make a purchase. If the purchase is denied, the fraudster then knows that the transaction has been flagged as fraud and that the member most likely received a fraudulent alert text from the credit union. They will then call the member directly pretending to be the credit union, and convince the member to reply “YES” to the fraud alert text. They usually do this by telling the member they need to confirm their identity.

In reality, by the member replying “YES” to the fraud alert text, they are informing the credit union that they did conduct the transaction. This removes the fraud flag and allows the fraudster to continue making purchases with the member’s debit card.

If you ever receive a fraud alert text, only reply “YES” if you know with complete certainty that you made the purchase in question. The credit union will never ask you to reply to a fraud alert text with yes if you did not perform the transaction. If you ever receive a call from the credit union that seems suspicious or out of the ordinary, always hang up and call us back directly at 281-487-9333.

Here are a few things to remember if you receive a call or text that claims to be from GCEFCU:

🔹We will NEVER ask for your PIN or online banking password.
🔹Don’t click any links or phone numbers in the text message. Instead, exit the text and call the credit union directly.
🔹You can forward fraudulent calls/texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your phone carrier.
🔹Remember to check your account daily and report any unusual activity.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 281-487-9333.